Call for abstracts: Whose Protest Counts? Power and Exclusion in Online Activism

ICA 2026 pre-conference.

Digital activism is often celebrated for its potential to amplify marginalized voices, lower participation barriers, and mobilize communities across geographical boundaries. Yet, this optimistic narrative conceals persistent—and, increasingly, widening—inequalities in who participates, whose voices are heard, and which causes gain traction. This preconference seeks to uncover and critically examine the layered inequalities that determine why some voices—rather than others—resonate in the digital sphere. We call for a shift in scholarly and policy debates: away from simplistic measures of access, toward a deeper analysis of structural and technological barriers that govern participation, visibility, and influence in networked movements. Particular emphasis would also be placed on comparative perspectives—across different national, cultural, and platform contexts—to explore how varying socioeconomic structures, policy environments, and technological ecosystems produce distinct patterns of inclusion and exclusion in digital activism.

We seek original, rigorous, and innovative contributions that critically examine the dynamics, opportunities, and inequalities shaping digital activism in contemporary contexts. Submissions may adopt theoretical frameworks or be grounded in empirical investigations, addressing questions of participation, visibility, and influence in networked movements. We particularly welcome work that:

• Explores lesser-studied activist movements, platforms, or issues.
• Investigates how platform design, governance, and algorithmic systems affect the reach and impact of activist communication.
• Engages with activism involving minority groups, contentious actors, or communities in the Global South.
• Brings forward perspectives and contributions from practitioners, activists, and affected communities.